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Grotte de Pech Merle - Karst
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Grotte de Pech Merle

description Grotte de Pech Merle Overview

The Grotte de Pech Merle in France is a decorated karst cave notable for its prehistoric spotted horse paintings dating back 25,000 years.

help Grotte de Pech Merle FAQ

Where is the Grotte de Pech Merle located?

The Grotte de Pech Merle is a heavily decorated karst cave located in the Lot department of southwestern France. It sits within the limestone hills of the Quercy region.

What famous prehistoric art is found in Pech Merle?

The cave is famous for its stunning Paleolithic cave paintings, notably the panel of the spotted horses. These incredible drawings were created using red ochre and black manganese dioxide roughly 25,000 years ago.

Can the public visit the Grotte de Pech Merle?

Yes, unlike many other highly fragile prehistoric caves in France, Pech Merle is open to a limited number of public visitors daily. Guided tours are strictly regulated to protect the ancient artwork from human damage.

How old are the paintings in the Grotte de Pech Merle?

The prehistoric paintings and drawings inside the cave date back approximately 25,000 years to the Upper Paleolithic period. They were created by early humans belonging to the Gravettian culture.

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